At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT sourcing strategies and manage complex procurement projects.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, and flexible lifestyle benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and unique experiences with McLaren's iconic cars.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team pushing boundaries in technology and performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement, strong negotiation skills, and project management expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 € per year.
We are recruiting for an IT Category Lead to join our fantastic Indirect Procurement team in Woking. As the IT Category Lead you will be responsible for the ongoing management of 2 specific sub-categories within IT. You will be responsible for the sub-category’s sourcing strategy and the execution of strategic and complex IT sourcing projects through the full procurement lifecycle.
What You'll Do
- Identifying commercial opportunities and sourcing strategies within (and where appropriate across) the various McLaren companies in the Information Technology expenditure category.
- Supporting the IT Category Manager in the delivery of agreed strategic objectives in line with the Information Technology strategy and relevant Business Plans.
- Providing expertise in the Information Technology sourcing category, including market knowledge and sourcing best practice.
- Supporting the IT Category Manager to define and deliver the IT category plans and identify appropriate sourcing strategies which generate benefits and achieve financial savings whilst mitigating risk for McLaren.
- Working with the tactical buying team to manage renewal contracts.
- Applying knowledge of IT services to implement appropriate contractual safeguards, SLAs and other operational measures to ensure vendors are incentivised to deliver a robust service.
- Providing day to day guidance as support for IT Services tactical buyer.
- Acting as liaison between McLaren and our vendors, ensuring requirements and concerns are fully understood and ensure these are fed back during the appropriate stages to the vendors.
- Confidently and competently negotiating with vendors at a high level ensuring best value and quality of service is maintained.
- Working collaboratively with all internal stakeholders (IT, Finance, Legal and Service Owners) throughout sourcing projects to ensure continued alignment of objectives.
- Ensuring consistent procurement processes are undertaken to select vendors that will provide optimum value and delivery for McLaren.
- This will include as appropriate, assessment of vendor risk, objective management of evaluation processes, negotiation and contract execution.
- Setting up and executing strategic and/or complex sourcing projects through the full procurement lifecycle, including (senior) stakeholder management.
- Applying knowledge of contractual terms and conditions ensuring commercially attractive terms are agreed and contract spend remains in budget while mitigating risk in such terms.
What You'll Bring
- Demonstrated, previous experience delivering cost savings and spend rationalisation.
- Strong experience of planning, running and executing complex sourcing process end to end.
- Experience in setting up category plans and/or sourcing strategies in a technology environment which focuses on both short-term savings and risk mitigation as well as long term commercial opportunities.
- Excellent high level of communication skills to support cross-departmental and stakeholder liaison.
- Experience in drafting, reviewing and controlling contractual documentation.
- The ability to combine professional project management and procurement skills on large scale technology projects.
- Demonstrated ability to lead negotiations and support in the development of negotiation strategies for large and complex projects and contracts in IT.
- Adept at handling multiple projects and contracts concurrently.
- Well-developed negotiation skills in an IT/technology category underpinned by detailed contract knowledge including complex service scope and SLAs.
- Commercial awareness with an ability to assess risk in the appropriate context.
- Have a good understanding of license models of common IT software such as Microsoft and SAP.
What We'll Do for You
- We offer a wide-ranging benefits package, which includes:
- Structured career development framework
- 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday.
- Annual buy & sell up to five days
- Enhanced company pension scheme
- Discretionary annual bonus award
- Private medical insurance and health cash plan
- Life assurance 4x your basic salary
- Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ service
- Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
- Generous parental leave policies including market leading maternity leave
- A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
- Friends and family day
- Opportunities to experience our fantastic cars
Qualifying criteria applies.
Who Are We?
No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars. It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks. McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.
Senior Buyer - IT in London employer: McLaren Automotive
McLaren Automotive is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Woking that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide a structured career development framework, generous benefits including enhanced parental leave and private medical insurance, and unique opportunities to engage with our iconic vehicles. Our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute to our mission of redefining performance in the automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - IT in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and sourcing strategies. Understanding the current market landscape will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the IT procurement field, especially those who have experience in complex sourcing projects. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed vendor relationships and negotiated contracts in the past. Highlighting your achievements in these areas will showcase your capability for the Senior Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research McLaren's values and recent projects to align your responses during interviews. Showing that you understand their mission and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - IT in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in IT procurement and sourcing strategies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver cost savings and manage complex projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience in negotiating contracts and managing vendor relationships.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since the role requires high-level communication with various stakeholders, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to liaise effectively across departments and negotiate with vendors.
Highlight Relevant Knowledge:Mention your understanding of IT services, licensing models, and risk assessment in your application. This will show that you have the necessary expertise to support the IT Category Manager and contribute to strategic objectives.
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren Automotive
✨Understand the IT Category Landscape
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the current trends and challenges in the IT procurement space. Familiarise yourself with common software licensing models, especially for major players like Microsoft and SAP, as this knowledge will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Complex Negotiation Scenarios
Given the emphasis on high-level negotiations in this role, be ready to discuss your past experiences with complex sourcing projects. Prepare specific examples where you successfully negotiated terms that benefited your previous employer, focusing on how you balanced cost savings with quality service.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This position requires collaboration across various departments. Be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively managed relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensured alignment of objectives during sourcing projects.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
During the interview, showcase your ability to assess risks and identify commercial opportunities within the IT category. Discuss how you've previously implemented strategies that not only saved costs but also mitigated risks, ensuring long-term value for your organisation.
